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8.3

566 reviews

Ariki Backpackers

Ariki Backpackers

25 Ariki Street, New Plymouth, 4342, New Zealand

Reservations:

+1-833-728-2041

Choose dates to view prices

Skiing

Free wifi

Air conditioning

Sun deck

Terrace

Kitchen

Non-smoking rooms

Live music/Performance

Ariki Backpackers

Welcome to Ariki Backpackers, your cheerful and budget-friendly abode in the heart of New Plymouth! Located just a hop, skip, and a jump (approximately 0.9mi) from the bustling city center, this 2-star haven offers everything you need for an exciting getaway without breaking the bank. With prices starting from just $15, you're in for a delightful surprise that even your wallet will appreciate!

At Ariki Backpackers, adventure awaits right outside your door! Take advantage of the fabulous water park (for an extra charge) or hit the slopes with thrilling skiing options nearby. But if you're looking for something more laid-back, the beautiful sun deck and tranquil garden provide a perfect escape. And don’t forget about the fun live music performances offered on-site! Each non-smoking room is blessed with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and a relaxing bathtub – ideal for unwinding after a day packed with excitement.

With a whopping 566 reviews, guests rave about the vibrant atmosphere and welcoming charm of Ariki Backpackers. Whether you’re early birds ready for a golf course adventure or night owls seeking fun and laughter, our trusty shuttle service and communal kitchen make your travel experience seamless. There's no shortage of fun or opportunities to connect with fellow travelers here, so pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable stay in New Zealand!

At Ariki Backpackers, we're all about creating a lively and social atmosphere that makes every guest feel like part of the family! Whether you're sharing stories over a meal in our communal kitchen or laughing at our live music nights, the spirit of camaraderie is always in the air. And let's not forget those crisp New Zealand evenings—grab a drink, head out to the sun deck, and enjoy the warm vibes and stunning surroundings!

When it comes to your coziest nook, we offer a variety of lodging options to fit your travel style. Choose from our cheerful dormitories—perfect for solo adventurers looking to meet new faces—or opt for a comfy twin or double room with a shared bathroom for a touch of privacy. Staying with family? Our family room accommodates up to four, complete with a cozy queen bed and bunk beds for a practical and fun option!

But it’s not just about the cozy corners at Ariki; we also make your experience as hassle-free as possible. Cash, Visa, JCB, Diners Club, and Eftpos payments are all accepted, leaving you with more adventure budget to explore the stunning beaches or breathtaking parks right nearby! So, whether you're here for a weekend escape or an extended stay, Ariki Backpackers is your ticket to vibrancy, fun, and unforgettable memories in New Plymouth!

Closest airports

New Plymouth Airport

6.6mi

Most popular amenities

Skiing

Free wifi

Air conditioning

Sun deck

Terrace

Kitchen

Non-smoking rooms

Live music/Performance

Garden

Bathtub

Rooms

Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room in Ariki Backpackers

Show 5 photos

Bed in 4-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room

1 Bunk Bed

160 sqft

Kitchen

Private Bathroom

Bathtub

Air conditioning

More details

Stay in our cozy 4-bed mixed dormitory room, featuring air conditioning, a kitchen, bathtub, and a private bathroom. Perfect for solo travelers looking for a comfortable and affordable stay.

Twin Room with Shared Bathroom in Ariki Backpackers

Show 5 photos

Twin Room with Shared Bathroom

2 Twin Beds

110 sqft

City view

Shower

More details

Cozy Twin Room with 2 beds, perfect for 2 adults. Shared bathroom. Non-smoking environment for your comfort.

Family Room in Ariki Backpackers

Show 5 photos

Family Room

1 Bunk Bed

1 Queen Size Bed

215 sqft

Private Bathroom

Bathtub

Air conditioning

Shower

x4

More details

Comfortably sleep in the Family Room with a bunk bed and queen size bed, enjoy a private bathroom with a bathtub, and relax in the cool air with the air conditioning.

Bed in 6-Bed Female Dormitory Room in Ariki Backpackers

Show 4 photos

Bed in 6-Bed Female Dormitory Room

1 Bunk Bed

160 sqft

Private Bathroom

Bathtub

Air conditioning

Shower

More details

Relax in a cozy bunk bed within a spacious 161 sqft female dormitory room. Enjoy the luxury of air conditioning and a private bathroom with a bathtub.

Double Room with Shared Bathroom in Ariki Backpackers

Show 4 photos

Double Room with Shared Bathroom

1 Queen Size Bed

110 sqft

City view

Shower

More details

Cozy double room with a queen-size bed perfect for 2 adults, featuring a shared bathroom, ideal for a peaceful stay.

Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room in Ariki Backpackers

Show 3 photos

Bed in 6-Bed Mixed Dormitory Room

1 Bunk Bed

160 sqft

Private Bathroom

Bathtub

Air conditioning

Shower

More details

Relax in a cozy bunk bed in our modern 6-bed dormitory room, complete with air conditioning, a bathtub, and a private bathroom. Perfect for solo travelers looking for comfort and convenience.

Guest reviews

8.3

566 reviews

Categories of assessments

Cleanliness

Comfort

Location

Facilities

Staff

Value for money

WiFi quality

Featured reviews:

🇳🇿

Bryce

8.2

February 2024

I choose Ariki because of the excellent location right down town where I wanted to be and because it was cheap. $89 for a Family Room with private bathroom for my 13 year old daughter and I. Ariki was in this regard exactly what I wanted. As an added bonus it was good to see that they had good policies around security and the staff member I dealt with, Chris, was super friendly and informative. Couldn't have been nicer and more helpful if he tried. The place is a tired and basic and the beds are not the best I've ever had. The late night pub noise is also loud. But I won't put those down as things I didn't like because I knew what I was getting - its a backpackers next to a pub after all. The sort of place I used all the time back in my 20s. I got exactly what I paid for and expected. For $89 you can't expect an absolute palace but you can expect it to be clean, tidy, comfy enough, friendly and safe, which it was. I would happily come back here again.

Nothing.

🇳🇿

Robert

9.1

December 2023

It's party central in the evenings until late due to the nightclub downstairs. So, if you are young and hip, then go and enjoy. In this respect, I would regard it as the best place to stay if you want to party across the whole of the North Island because the night club is so accessible - no need to worry about drinking and then finding your way to your accommodation afterwards. Plus Ariki's is centrally located AND close to the sea AND close to a whole lot of other tourist attractions including markets on Saturday mornings plus it's opposite the waving wind 'Wand' which is a great selfie sight all to itself. This is a young person's party paradise so don't go there expecting peace and quiet in the evenings! The young international travelers that stayed there (when I was there) are universally friendly (why aren't more of our kiwi's kids like this I wonder) and I found it a very life-giving place to visit. New Plymouth has so much to see over the summer and I'd heartily recommend to even the most seasoned travelers even if you are staying elsewhere. It's an extremely unique location and is different to most other places I've visited in New Zealand.

🇳🇿

Sarah

8.2

March 2024

Absolutely lovely staff. We had a private room, which was huge with plenty of room for our stuff. Comfortable bed - I slept really well. Right near the centre of town so we walked everywhere. And bikes for hire for doing the coastal path.

They weren't kidding when they warned us that it could get noisy on Friday and Saturday nights because there's a nightclub downstairs! We were getting in late anyway so it didn't worry us, but you'll need some serious earplugs if you plan to go to bed early.

🇩🇪

Anonymous

8.2

November 2023

- great location (right in the CBD, next to InterCity bus stop, close to Coastal Walkway) - facilities (washing machine, kitchen etc.) - cheap - they had at least one cat - very nice and helpful staff - informed me before my stay that it might be noisy at night

- a bit run down, but it’s still totally fine for the price - kinda noisy at night (window had to be open due to 6 people sleeping in the room and there are a bunch of restaurants/bars close by), not their fault and they communicate it as soon as you book a bed to warn you

🇨🇳

Kai

10

April 2023

I love this place. Just stayed there for three nights last week. Rob the boss is so nice. He gave me some great advice when I check in. Before that, he emailed me about the karaoki bar next door, said it may be a little bit noisy on weekend. And there are some earplugs at the front desk if I need. That doesn't bother me at all because I'm a heavy sleeper. Such a thoughtful person. The bed sheet is very clean. The suite bathroom and the floor is very neat too. It's great bargain to rent bike for 10 bucks half a day. And last but not the least, these is a beautiful cat.

Nothing.

🇳🇿

Orewa

10

March 2024

Great communication from Rob, I didn’t meet him on check-in but he was very helpful! Sent instructions for after-hours checkin and replied to my text about parking. A message was sent post-booking that it does get noisy Thursday-Sunday, which I had already read from reviews, but very considerate heads up. The beds were surprisingly comfortable, and the curtains were high quality in that they blocked any light coming in. Overall, very satisfied :)

Nothing.

🇳🇿

Daniel

8.2

December 2023

The staff were brilliant, great service before and during our stay. The backpackers had one of the most warm and welcoming atmospheres of anywhere we've stayed. It was homely in it's furnishings and very cosy.

As warned, due to the neighbouring pub it was quite noisy on Friday and Saturday night - although we quite enjoyed our karaoke serenade to sleep! There was a bit more wear and tear of the building that we would normally expect, but nothing of concern.

🇧🇪

Kobe

9.1

February 2023

On the day of our arrival we were welcomed by Chris who is super awesome. He gave us explanations on all the facilities of the hostel and was always keen on giving information on the surroundings. We stayed here before and after our Mt Taranaki hike and would definitely recommend the accommodation to others. Kitchen has all the facilities you want, there are also warm showers, washing machines and a dryer.

It can get noisy at night because of the bars, but just use some earplugs as you should always do in hostels 🙃 It was also really warm everywhere inside. But every room has a fan or air-conditioning.

🇬🇧

Georgia

9.1

March 2023

It felt very accessible, both in location and anything I needed the team were there to help straight away :) I was only there a few days but it felt like a little family pretty soon in. It was also great how much info there was available just by looking at all the different walls, and there are shuttle services to some parts of Mt Taranaki too. It is very well located, it is a walk to the beach but you can pretty easily climb down & back up if you just want a short trip.

🇳🇿

Peter

10

August 2022

Rob, Chris, and Julia especially were super helpful. Location couldn't be any better... kitchen table could be cleared of the clutter in times of high occupancy perhaps but it was large and practical for the circumstances.

Can't remember the room but the two single bed room... The bed with its pillows situated against the window was the hardest but right under the window with a draft... Simple fix, I switched bed ends to avoid a stuffy nose in the mornings from the cold airflow. The bed directly infront of the TV had a soft mattress, so being a single occupancy I used as luggage storage. Not really complaining as such, just years of sleeping rough and trying to make the best of any situation.

Points of Interest Around Ariki Backpackers

Airports

New Plymouth Airport

6.6mi

Amenities of Ariki Backpackers

Skiing

Free wifi

Air conditioning

Sun deck

Terrace

Kitchen

Non-smoking rooms

Live music/Performance

Garden

Bathtub

Stay rules - Ariki Backpackers

  • Check-in / Check-out

  • Pets

  • Internet

  • Age restrictions

  • Curfew

  • Parking

  • Reservations

  • Children and beds

  • Cards accepted at this property